Here is an interesting piece of information I ran across recently: The Isle of Man, located in the British Isles, has established its own aircraft registry. The registry started accepting aircraft registrations in May, 2007. According to the registry website, the registry was established primarily for private and corporate jet register, but will also accept helicopters. However, the registry does not register aircraft below 5,700 kgs other than for residents or businesses operating from the Isle of Man. Aircraft receive an “M” number designation comparable to the “N” number designation received by aircraft registered with the FAA Registry.
The registry touts the Isle of Man’s favorable tax regime, a zero rate of corporation tax, the resulting lower costs of operating aircraft from the Island, and the quality of service they are able to offer due to the smaller size of the registry. Although The Isle of Man is neither a member state nor an associate member of the European Union, under Protocol 3 to the United Kingdom’s Treaty of Accession the Isle of Man is part of the customs territory of the Union. This means that industrial and agricultural goods move freely in trade between the Island and the Union. Presumably, this would also include aircraft.
This isn’t for everyone. However, the Isle of Man may present a lower cost registration/importation alternative for corporate jet aircraft operating in the European Union. If you would like more information, you may contact the registry at: Department of Trade & Industry, Isle of Man Government, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 5EP, British Isles, Tel + 44 (0)1624 682358, Fax + 44 (0)1624 682355, Email aircraft@gov.im.
